Air conditioning heating cabinet



Nov. 26, 1935. c. M. WOOLLEY AIR CONDITIONING HEATING CABINET Filed April 4, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 I Clar ce M Nov. 26, 1935. c. M. WOOLLEY AIR CONDITIONING HEATING CABINET Filed April 4, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 v lNVENTOR $f ence WOQIeI HI A TORNEY c. M. WOOLLEY AIR CONDITIONING HEATING CABINET Filed April 4, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 1935- c. M. WOOLLEY AIR CONDITIONING HEATING CABINET Filed April 4, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTQR Clo ence M Woo e Y H! A ORNEY Patented Nov. 26, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AIR CONDITIONING HEATING CABINET Application April 4, 1934, Serial No. 718,904

20 Claims.

by radiant distribution during all stages of operation of the cabinet.

A feature of my invention is the provision of suitable means for projecting air'in heat exchange contact with the heating mcans and to deliver the heated air exteriorly of the cabinet in a direction at or toward the floor.

A feature of my invention resides in the optional use of a motor activated fan or equivalent for projecting heated air exteriorly of the cabinet and to supply heated air by convection, that is in the form of gravity heat output, during the stage of cessation of the operation of the fan or equivalent.

In the various embodiments of my invention, provision is made for the recirculation of the air of the room or other space of a building or other structure simultaneously with the projection of heated air during the stage of operation of the fan or equivalent and during the stage of cessation of operation of the fan or equivalent.

A further feature of my invention resides in the supply of fresh air or conditioned air in regulated proportion to the recirculated air.

Simultaneous with the supply of heated air, I also provide for the supply of humidity automatically with the operation of the cabinet, the supply of humidity being preferably located in the path of the projected air stream to preclude condensation of moisture within the cabinet. Such supply of humidity is advantageously of the electrically heated type, the electrical heating unit of such humidifier being suitably electrically connected in the circuit of the fan motor, and therefore nonoperative during the stage of cessation of the supply of the heating medium to the cabinet. If desired, a humidifier heated by steam, may be employed, in lieu of an electrically operated humidifier. A steam operated humidifier is of advantage with heating elements employing steam as the heating medium.

In particular, the preferred forms of my invention embody a frame in which is enclosed a plurality of heating elements, one of which is provided with a frontal plate directly exposed to the air of the room or other space of the building or other structure served by the cabinet, the other heating elements being arranged relative to the frontal heating element and relative to the path of flow of the air projected by the fan or equivalent to provide a path of flow of the air under optimum conditions, thereby facilitating the transfer of heat energy supplied by the heating 5 medium to the respective heating elements and in turn to the projected current of air, discharged exteriorly-of the cabinet. The respective heating elements are also preferably provided withfins located to be traversed by the projected air flow, the direction of such fins preferably being arranged to coact in defining the paths of flow of the projected air through the cabinet.

It is desirable that the major portion of the projected heated air currents be discharged through a grille or other opening located substantially at the floor or otherwise disposed to project such major portion of the heated air toward the floor.

Embodiments of my invention provide for the discharge of heated air through the top of the cabinet or otherwise upwardly relative to the cabinet, serving inter alia to counteract drafts; such desirable function is efiected in preferred types of my invention during the stage of fan non-operation as well as during the stage of fan operation.

Further features and objects of the invention will be more fully understood from the following. detail description and the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view of onevpreferred embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional elevation on line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional elevation on line 3-3 of Fig. 2, including a vertical sectional elevation partially through a window of a building structure.

Fig. 4 isa horizontal sectional view on line 40 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal section on the broken section line 55 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 and Fig. '7 are diagrammatic views in vertical section showing paths of flow of air currents. in the above type of embodiments of my invention.

Fig. 8 is a vertical central sectional elevation of another embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 9 is a sectional elevation on line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

Figs. 10 and 11 are diagrammatic views in ver-- tical section showing paths of flow of air currents, in the type of embodiment illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9.

Fig. 12 is a diagram of one selective assembly of electrical control features.

Fig. 13 is a vertical sectional elevation of another embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 14 is a horizontal sectional elevation on line |4|4 of Fig. 13.

Figs. 15 and 16 are diagrammatic views in vertical section showing paths of flow of air currents, in the embodiment of my invention represented by Figs. 13 and 14, during the respective stages of operation of fan and non-operation of fan. i

Referring to the embodiment of my invention as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7, the cabinet 20 while shown of general rectangular form, may have any desired exterior configuration, inclusive of artistic effect as may be preferred.

An essential feature of the stated illustrated embodiment is the provision of the frontal plate 2| of the heating element 22, such frontal plate 2| serving as a portion of the virtual front of the cabinet, to effect direct radiation of heat, that is radiant heat, into the room or other space of the building or other structure. The heating element 22 may be supplied with steam, hot water or other suitable heating medium, for which purpose I indicate the inflow pipe 23 equipped with a suitable control valve 24. I have shown the return pipe 25 as indicative of a type of return system.

In the type of embodiment of my invention indicated by Figs. 1 to 7, I provide for the discharge of the projected air through a grille 26 disposed preferably at the bottom of the cabinet 20, and therefore may be a part of the front face of the cabinet 20, substantially at the floor line indicated at 21.

Within the cabinet 2|] I dispose suitable heating elements in co-ac-tion with the stated frontal heating element 22, the said heating elements being arranged relative to suitable air projecting means to define the paths of flow of the p ojected air in effective heat exchange contact with the heating elements for delivery of the same through the grille 26 or equivalent.

Pursuant to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to '7, such arrangement is had, coupled with the provision of recirculating the air of the room of the other space, by locating the fan means, preferably two fans 28, 29, at opposite sides of and driven by a driving motor 30, the same being disposed at a lowerly portion of the cabinet 20, shown at the bottom of the cabinet in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, the stated two fans 28, 29, being respectively associated with two inflow grilles 3 l, 32, the last-named being disposed at or a part of a lowerly portion of the opposing sides 33, 34 of the cabinet 20.

The fans 28, 29 may be of any suitable construction; advantageously, as shown, the fans 28, 29 may be of the squirrel cage type. The motor 30 is advantageously of the electric type, preferably housed within a fully enclosing casing 35, the opposite sides of which are provided with openings a through which project the shaft extensions 30a, 30a of the motor, which may be directly coupled with the shafts of the respective fans 28, 29, or if preferred in geared relation therewith.

Each fan 28, 29, is individually housed in a casing 36 having an inflow opening 31 and an outflow opening 38.

Preferably, a filter 39 of any preferred type, is interposed between the inlet 31 of each fan casing 36 and the respective side inflow grilles 3 I, 32, each filter 39 being advantageously removably located in position within the respective conduits 40 serving the means of communication between each fan casing inlet 31 and the respective grilles 3|, 32.

The type of cabinet illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, embodies a simplified arrangement of the heating elements including a rear or inner heating element 4| mounted within the cabinet 20; the opposite flat faces Ma and 4|b of the rear heat- 10 ing element are disposed preferably substantially vertically, and within a subcasing forming a conduit for the flow of the heated air within the outer cabinet 20. The heating element 4| is supported in any suitable manner within the 15 cabinet 20 to be enclosed within the stated subcasing. The horizontally extending L-plate 42, serves to seal the rearward channelv of the subcasing relative to the forward channel of the sub-casing, by making a sealing joint with the 20 lower edge of the heating element 4|, as appears more fully hereinafter. The inlet piping 23, suitably connected with the intake port of the inner heating element 4|, and the nipples 43, 44, interconnecting the inner heating element 4| and 25 the outer heating element 42, contribute also to support and hold the respective heating elements in proper relative positions.

The sub-casing includes the rear wall 45, and the side walls 46, 41 and, as shown in the draw- 30 ings, is defined at its front by the front heating element 22.

Such sub-casing is provided at its bottom with inlets 48, see Figs. 2, 3 and 4, in direct communication with the outlets 38 of the respective 35 fan casings 36, whereby the air projected by the respective fans 28, 29 is forced upwardly in heat exchange moving contact with the rear face 4|b of the rear or inner heating element 4| the path of the air flow being deflected by the portion of 4 the top plate 49 of the cabinet 20 disposed between the closing sides 46, 41, of the sub-casing, in a direction downwardly between the front face 4|a of the rear heating element 4| and the rear face 22a of the front heating element 2|, thence through the bottom opening, see 50 Fig. 3, of the sub-casing into and through the space defined by the arcuate wall 5|a, and finally through the grille 26, downwardly and outwardly of the cabinet. 50

For the dual purposes of increasing the efficiency and rate of heat exchange and to define the path of the heated air in the stated subcasing, the rear or inner heating element 4| is provided with fins Me, which, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5,'extend in vertical direction, and similarly the front heating element 22 is provided with the vertically extending fins 52.

The operation of the fans 28, 29, above described, effects also the inflow of air through the grilles 3|, 32, at the opposite sides of the cabinet 20, thus functioning to recirculate the air of the room or other space served by the cabinet and to elevate the temperature of the circulated air by passage of the same over the stated path of G5 flow into and through the stated sub-casing, in heat exchange relation with the heating elements 4|, 22, successively. The path of flow of the thus recirculated and heated air is indicated by the arrows applied in Figs. 3 and 4.

Advantageously, a thermostat or equivalent controls the stages of operation and non-operation of the motor driven fan or fans, or equivalent.

If desired, the top plate 49 may be provided *aoaassa with slots 49b and a co-acting louver 49:: employed, to afford closure of the top plate 49 during the period of operation of the fans, and the opening of the slots in the'top plate 49 during the period of non-operation of the fans. A handle 53, see Figs. 1 and 2, is shown for manual operation of the louver 49a. The louver 49a may be automatically operated by the thermostat controlling the fan operation of the cabinet, namely, to close the openings 49b of the top plate 49 during the stage of fan operation and to open the openings 49b during the stage of non-operation of the fan or fans, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

The horizontal dimension of the outer heating element 22, see Fig. 5, may be greater than that of the inner heating element 4|, to thereby increase the effective area of the radiant face 2|.

The cabinet may be located in the room or other space as may be desired. In Figs. 1 and 3, the cabinet is shown disposed adjacent a window, an arrangement which is of advantage in combination with the supply of fresh air from the exterior of the building, as by means of a duct extending through the window opening.

Such supplemental air may be supplied by a conduit 55, see Fig. 3, installed under the sill 54a of the window. The conduit 55 communicates in a suitable manner with the interior of the cabinet, as through the space 56 at the rear of the cabinet, leading downwardly, see Fig. 4, to the respective filters 39 and the inlet conduits 40, 40, of the fans, thus merging with the re-circulated air in transit through and out of the cabinet.

The conduit 55 may be provided with suitable means for silencing noises arising outside of the building, and otherwise conveyed through the conduit 55. An effective silencing means is had by lining the inner walls of the conduit with sound absorbing material, see 55a, Fig. 3.

The valve 51,. see Fig. 3, regulates the proportion of fresh air delivered through the conduit 56, for given rates of fan operation, effective to corresponding extent of suction through the conduit 56. The lever linkage 58, including an operating handle 58a, indicates adjustability of the valve 51.

Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate diagrammatically varied stages of air flow and of fan operation of the generic type of my invention as embodied in cabinets above described, equipped with a supply of fresh or conditioned air, and like parts are designated by like reference characters.

Specifically, Fig. 6 illustrates air flow by the indicated muiti-arrowed line 69 during the condition of operation of the fan or fans 28, (29) and also the supply of conditioned, in this instance fresh air, under which circumstances the valve 51 of the inflow conduit 55 is in open position and the top plate 49 of the cabinet 20 has its openings closed. It will be understood, as

above explained, that air is drawn into the cabinet through the end openings 3|, 32, to recirculate the air of the room or space served by the cabinet. The thus constituted air projected through the cabinet is heated by the stated heating elements and discharged from the cabinet through its lower opening 26 downwardly upon the floor, while simultaneously heat is radiated into the room or space by the radiant face 2| of the front heating element 22.

Specifically, Fig. 7 illustrates air flow by the indicated multi-arrowed lines 6|, 62 under the condition of non-operation of the fan and the opening of the slots-of the top plate 49, thus effecting air flow through the cabinet by convection, that is to say, by gravity, the air current indicated by the arrowed line 6| representing currents of air drawn through the end grilles 3|, 32, thence through the fans 28, (29) i. e., fan housings, thence through the rearward portion of the sub-casing in contact with the rear face 4") of the rear heating element 4|, and thence upwardly through the slots 49b of the top plate 49. The arrowed line 62 indicates air flow inwardly through the grille or bottom opening 26, thence upwardly through the sub-casing between and in contact with the rear face 22a of the front heating element 2| and the front face 4 la of the rearward heating element 4|, merging with the air flow indicated by the arrowed line 6|, just described, and discharged through the open top plate 49.

Incidentally, Fig. 7 also shows the valve 51 of the conduit 55 closed, thus shutting off the inflow of fresh air, or the supplemental supply of conditioned air furnished to the conduit" 55. The opening of the valve 51 brings about the supplemental supply of fresh or conditioned air through the conduit 55 thence downwardly through the space 56, into and. through the blowers 28, (29), merging with the air flow indicated by the arrowed line 6|.

Another type of embodiment of my invention is illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 which illustrate a cabinet having the exterior and general interior construction shown in the preceding figures; like parts are designated by like reference characters.

An essential feature specifically embodied in the construction of Figs. 8 and 9 is the provision of an open portion 65, of the top plate 49, serving as the inlet of the air re-circulated from the room or other space into the cabinet 20, which air fiow is downwardly through the conduit 66, leading to the fan housings 30, and thence through the sub-casing in which the heating elements are housed, such air flow taking place during the stage of operation of the fan or fans, as hereinafter more fully described. A filter 61 is shown in the conduit 66.

Figs. 8 and 9, also, Show the top plate as having an air discharge opening 68, communicating through the conduit 69 with the sub-casing enclosing the heating elements. The sub-casing, as shown in the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9. embodies also the discharge outlet 26 similarly as in the hereinabove described embodiments.

The embodiments, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9 may also embody a conduit 55 for the infiow of fresh and other conditioned air; such conduit 55 is illustrated as provided with a valve 51 for the control of the portion of fresh or conditioned air supplied to the conduit 55 into the cabinet, to be merged with the re-circulated air, similarly as in the hereinabove described embodiments.

The embodiments, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, illustrate also the application of a plurality of heating elements disposed within the sub-casing; the illustrated construction of heating units comprises three units arranged in serial alignment relative to one another, the two units 19 and 'Il being disposed in the rearward channel portion 41 of the sub-casing and the unit 12 disposed in the forward channel portion of the sub-casing.

The cabinet of Figs. 8 and 9 embodies a front heating unit 22, the front face 2| of which serves as the virtual front of the cabinet 20, thus providing for radiation of heat by and from the radiant front face 2| of the heating unit 22 during all stages of supply of the heating medium to the heating units of the cabinet.

The rearward heating units 18, 1| and 12 are conveniently unitarily connected with the supply pipe 23, and also with a common return pipe 25 if employed. The heating medium may be steam or hot water and other suitable fluid medium.

It will be observed that in the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9, the filter 61 serves to filter any fresh air supplied by the conduit 55 as well as air recirculated through the cabinet passing through the opening 65 of the top plate of the cabinet during the stage of fan operation.

The front heating unit 22 of the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9 is advantageously enlarged in vertical dimension as compared with the rearward heating units 10, 1 I, 12, or positioned to extend vertically above the sub-casing, such enlarged dimension or vertically upper position of the front heating unit 22 affording the advantage of serving as a side of the conduit 69 at the rearward face 22a of the front heating element, to add supplemental heating facial area of the air flowing through the conduit, as will appear more fully hereinafter.

The sub-casing and the inclusion of the rearward heating units 10, 1|, 12, or equivalent, in ,7

the rearward and forward channels of the subcasing, may be varied as desired; a satisfactory arrangement is had by extending a partition 41a from the arcuate wall 5m between two of the heating units, say between heating unit 1| and heating unit 12, thus disposing the heating units 10, 1|, in the rearward channel 41 of the subcasing. and the heating unit 12 in the forward channel of the sub-casing.

Figs. 10 and. 11 illustrate diagrammatically varied stages of operation of the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9, like parts are designated by like reference characters.

Fig. 10 indicates by the multi-arrowed line 13 the air flow in the stage of fan operation, namely, through the opening 65 of the top plate of the air recirculated from the room or space served by the cabinet with such supplemental fresh or conditioned air supplied by the conduit 55 determined by the extent of opening of its valve 51. The proportion of such supplied fresh or conditioned air for any given setting of the valve 51 and given rate of operation of the fan or fans includes the factors of relative resistance to air flow occasioned by the cross-sectional areas of the conduits and angularity of angular parts, relative temperatures, etc., as well understood by those skilled in the art.

The arrowed line 14, see Fig. 10, indicates the air flow into the channel 41 of the sub-casing, projected by the fans in moving heat exchange contact withthe rearward heating units.

The arrowed line 15, see Fig. 10, indicates the flow of heated air through the upper opening 68 in the top plate of the cabinet diverted from the air flow 14, and the arrowed line 16 indicates the flow of heated air 14 projected downwardly through the sub-casing during fan operation and discharged through the bottom opening 25.

Radiant heat, of course, is supplementarily supplied by the front face 2| of the front heating unit.

Fig. 11 shows the air flow during the stage of nonoperation of the fan or fans, and incidentally for closed position of the valve 51 of the supply of fresh or conditioned air.

In Fig. 11, the arrowed line 11 shows the air flow through the cabinet of the type illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, during the stage of non-operation of the fan or fans 28, 29. The air flow represented by the arrowed line 11 is through the bottom grille or opening 26, thence upwardly through the forward channel of the sub-casing, in moving heat exchange contact with the rearward face 220 of the front heating element 22, and also with the faces of the heating element 12, thence passing through the upper discharge channel 69, in further moving heat exchange contact with the upper or extended portion of the rear face 22a of the heating element 22,'and eventually discharged through the opening 68 of the top plate of the cabinet.

The currents of heated air engendered by the heating elements 18, 1|, in the rearward channel 41 of the sub-casing, rise in the rearward channel of the sub-casing 41 to the top of its wall 41b and merge with the air flow 11 through the channel 68, and are discharged through the upper opening 68.

My invention also provides for humidifying the air currents discharged or passing through the cabinet.

()ne preferred form of humidiflcation is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, and comprises a receptacle 80, see Figs. 2 and 5, arranged to receive water, see 8|, which is heated by a suitable heating element, preferably an electrical heater unit, indicated at 82. The receptacle 80 has a discharge opening 83 which communicates with the subcasing within the cabinet between the inlet and outlet of such sub-casing, see Figs. 2 and 3,

' whereby the moisture supplied by the humidifier merges with the flow of heated air passing through the sub-casing during fan-operation and non-operation and therefore under conditions precluding clouding" and also precluding any accumulation of moisture within the cabinet at all times.

The receptacle 80 may be supplied with water in any suitable manner. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the moisture is shown supplied manually, as through the inlet port 84, extending through one side of the cabinet, and provided with a closure cap 85.

Preferably, the humidifier is operated solely during the stage of fan operation, and also preferably subject further to the control of a humidistat. Should a humidistat not be employed, the operation of the humidifier may be controlled by a manually operated or other electrical switch.

Provision is made for opening the electrical circuit under the condition of depletion or substantial depletion of the water 8| in the receptacle 80. One form of such control comprises a mercoid switch, indicated at 82a, which is connected in series with the electrical resistance of the electrical heater unit 82; the mercoid switch is arranged to be moved to circuit-open position under the condition of depletion of the water, as by physically mounting the mercoid switch 8211 on a spring support 82b, to the free end of which is attached a chain 820, in turn attached to a float 82d, whereby under the condition of the level of the water 8| subsiding below a predetervmined height, the unbuoyed weight of the float terminals of the mercoid switch are located at the end indicated at 82c of the glass bulb of the mercoid switch 82a.

Fig. 12 is a diagram of a typical electrical circuit. The service lines, represented at 88, 81, are suitably connected with the terminals of the fan motor 38, such circuit including a switch or thermostat 88. The leads 89, 98 connect the terminals of the electrical heater unit 82 of the humidifier 88 with the service lines 86, 81, preferably between the switch or thermostat 88 and the motor 38, to thereby render the humidifier responsive in operation to a thermostat 88, and/or any electrical switch 88, as well as operative solely during fan-operation. The humidistat (or a manually operated switch) is indicated at 9|.

Under the stated arrangement, the fan motor 38 is set in operation upon throwing ,in the switch 88, or upon closure of the circuit by a thermostat 88. Assuming the employment of a humidistat SI and further that the moisture content of the room or space supplied by the cabinet is below the normal or predetermined humidity value, and further assuming water of sufficient height to be contained in the humidifier 88, the closure of the circuit through the fan motor 38 simultaneously effects the closure of the circuit through the electrical heater 82 of the humidifier, thus providing for the evaporation of the water in the humidifier 88, and supplied to the heated air current passing through the cabinet. A

However, under the circumstance of the moisture of the room or space being at or above the normal or other predetermined humidity value, the switch 9| of the humidistat is in open-circuit position, thus rendering the humidifier idle. Also, in the event of depletion of water in the humidifier 88, as above more fully explained, the circuit through-the mercoid switch 82a is disconnected, thus rendering the humidifier idle.

It will be observed that the bottom or lowerly disposed opening of the grille 26 serves the dual purposes of the discharge therethrough of its heated air during the stage of fan operation as well as the inflow therethrough of air during the stage of non-operation of the fan motor, and also to afford access to the motor and/or fan or fans, without disturbance of other parts of the cabinet.

The cabinet illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14 illustrates another embodiment of my invention, conforming generally to the above stated principles. The cabinet,- see Figs. 13 and 14, includes the lower opening 26 in its front face, the openings 32, 32 at lowerly portions of its opposite ends, and slotted or other openings 4% in its top plate 48. A distinguishing feature of the cabinet, shown in Figs. 13 and 14, resides in a deflector plate I88, secured at its rear edge I 88a to the rear plate 45, and suitably arched and suitably extended determined by the location of its free edge I88b to deflect during the stage of fan operation the major portion of -the heated air downwardly through the frontchannel of the sub-casing, in heat exchange with the rear face 22a of the front heating element 22 and the front face 4Ia of the rear heating element 4 I, to be discharged through the lower grille or opening 28, while simultaneously providing for a lesser flow past the free edge I 8% through the open top 49. Such conjoint air flow is diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 15, the arrowed line I M representing the air projected by the fan or fans upwardly through the rear channel of the sub-casing, in heat exchange contact with the rear face 4 lb of the rear heating element 4|, thence deflected by the deflector I88 partly downwardly as indicated by the arrowed line I82 through the front grille or'opening 28 and partly upwardly represented by the arrowed line 5 I83 through the slotted or other perforated top 48. Such air flow includes the recirculation of the air of the room or other space serviced by the cabinet, which enters through the lower opposite end openings 32, 32, and may also include any fresh 10 air supplied through the inflow passage 55, indicated by the arrowed line I84, the relative volume being controlled by the settingof its valve 51 by its regulating handle 5811.

Fig. 16 indicates the stage of non-operation of 15 the fan, the arrowed line I indicating the air flow induced by gravity or convection currents, namely by entry of air through the lower grille or opening 28, upwardly in heat exchange contact with the rear face 22a of the front heating 20 element 22 and the front face 4Ia of the rear heating elem'ent 4|, thence past the front free edge I88b of the deflector I88 and discharged through the perforated or open top 49. A heated air current, as indicated by the arrowed line 25 I88, also .arises, induced at the rear face 4Ib of the rear heating element 4|, the current flowing upwardly in the rear channel of the sub-casing, past the free edge I88b of the deflector and through the open top 49, entrailing air from the 30 room re-circulated through the compartments 38,

.36 of the fans 28, 29, now idle. Fig. 16 illustrates,

incidentally, the valve 51 of the fresh air intake 55 in closed position.

Referring to Fig. 3, the outer edge 55!) of the conduit 55, for the supply of fresh air from the outer atmosphere, is preferably upturned, to serve as an eave, for the purpose of eliminating rain being entrained through the mouth of the channel 55. It will be understood that other reflne- 40 ments of the specific parts shown or indicated in the drawings are incorporated in the commercial embodiments of my invention.

Whereas I have described my invention by reference to specific forms thereof, it will be under- 45 stood that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. The combination of a cabinet provided with 50 a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one of its faces, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, and means for projecting air through the cabinet in heat exchange contact with said heating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposedopening of the cabinet. 60

2. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one of itsfaces, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element having a'face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, conduit means within the cabinet embracing said heating means, and means for projecting air through the conduit means in heat exchange contact with said heating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet.

3. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one of its faces, said cabinet 75 being further provided with an opening in its top, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, and means for projecting air through the cabinet in heat exchange contact with said heating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet, said opening in the top of the cabinet serving to discharge heated air during the stage of non-operation of the fan.

4. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one of its faces, said cabinet being further provided with an opening in its top, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, conduit means within the cabinet embracing said heating means, said conduit means communicating with said opening in the top of the cabinet, and means for I projecting air through the conduit means in heat exchange contact with said heating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet.

5. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one side of its faces, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means comprising a plurality of heating elements disposed in spaced relation to one another, one of said heating elements having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, conduit means within the cabinet embracing said heating elements in serial relation, and means for projecting air through said conduit means in heat exchange contact with said heating elements serially and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet.

6. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one of its faces, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, and means for projecting air through the cabinet in heat exchangecontact with said heating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet, said air projecting means including fan means disposed rearwardly and lowerly within the cabinet.

7. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one of its faces, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, conduit means within the cabinet embracing said heating means, and means for projecting air through the conduit means in heat exchange contact with said heating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet, said air projecting means including fan means disposed rearwardly and lowerly within the cabinet.

8. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one of its faces, said cabinet being further provided with an openug in its top, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, and means for projecting air through the cabinet in heat exchange contact with saidheating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet, said opening in the top of the cabinet serving to discharge heated air during the stage of non-operation of the fan, said air projecting means including fan means disposed rearwardly and low- 10 erly within the cabinet.

9. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one of its faces, said cabinet being further provided with an opening in its top, heat- 15 ing means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, conduit means within the cabinet embracing said heating means, said 20 conduit means communicating with said opening in the top of the cabinet, and means for projecting air through the conduit means in heat exchange contact with said heating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said low- 25 erly disposed opening of the cabinet, said air projecting means including fan means disposed rearwardly and lowerly within the cabinet.

10. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having 30 also an opening in one side of its faces, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means comprising a plurality of heating elements disposed in spaced relation to one another, one of said heating elements having a face located in 35 said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, conduit means within the cabinet embracing said heating elements in serial relation, and means for projecting air through said conduit means in heat exchange contact with 40 said heating elements serially and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet, said air projecting means including fan means disposed rearwardly and lowerly within the cabinet. 15

11. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said-cabinet having also an opening in one of its faces, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, means for projecting air through the cabinet in heat exchange contact with said heating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet, and means for supplying fresh or conditioned air to the cabinet.

12. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one of its faces, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, conduit means within the cabinet embracing said heating means, means for projecting air through the conduit means in heat exchange contact with said heating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet, and means for supplying fresh or conditioned air to the cabinet. 1

13. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one of its faces, said cabinet being further provided with an opening in its top, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element'having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, means for projecting air through the cabinet in heat exchange contact with said heating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet, said opening in the top of the cabinet serving to discharge heated air during the stage of non-operation of the fan, said air projecting means including fan means disposed rearwardly and lowerly within the cabinet, and means for supplying fresh or conditioned air to said conduit means.

14. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one side of its faces, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means comprising a plurality cf heating elements disposed in spaced relation to one another, one of said heating elements having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, conduit means within the cabinet embracing said heating elements in serial relation, means for projecting air through said conduit means in heat exchange contact with said heating elements serially and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet, said air projecting means including fan means disposed rearwardly and lowerly within the cabinet, and means for supplying fresh or conditioned air to said conduit means.

15. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one of its faces, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, means for projecti g air through the cabinet in heat exchange c ntact with said heating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet, and means for supplying humidity within the cabinet.

16. The combination of a cabinet provided with a lowerly disposed opening, said cabinet having also an opening in one of its faces, heating means disposed in the cabinet, said heating means including a heating element having a face located in said facial opening of the cabinet to provide for radiant heating, conduit means within the cabinet embracing said heating means, means for projecting air through the conduit means in heat exchange contact with said heating means and for discharging the thus heated air through said lowerly disposed opening of the cabinet, and means for supplying humidity to said conduit means.

17. The combination of a cabinet, heating means disposed within the cabinet, means for projecting air in heat exchange relation with said heating means, thermostat means controlling said air projecting means; humidifying means arranged to communicate with the interior of the cabinet, and means for effecting simultaneous operation of said humidifying means and said air projecting means and simultaneous nonoperation of said humidifying means and said air 10 projecting means, said humidifying means including means responsive to the level of the water in said humidifying means to render said humidifying means non-operative under condition of water depletion.

18. The combination of a cabinet, heating means disposed within the cabinet, means for projecting air in heat exchange relation with said heating means, thermostat means controlling said air projecting means, humidifying means arranged to communicate with the interior of the cabinet, humidistat means controlling said humidifying means and means for effecting simultanecus operation of said humidifying means and said air projecting means and simultaneous nonoperation of said humidifying means and said air projecting means, said humidifying means including means responsive to the level of the water in said humidifying means to render said humidify ing means non-operative under the condition of Water depletion.

19. The combination of a cabinet, heating means disposed within the cabinet, means for projecting air in heat exchange relation with said heating means, thermostat means controlling said air projecting means, humidifying means arranged to communicate with the interior of the cabinet, humidistat means controlling said humidifying means and means for effecting simultaneous operation of said humidifying means and said air projecting means and simultaneous non-operation of said humidifying means and said air projecting means, said humidifying means including means responsive to the level of the water in said humidifying means for rendering 

